Parthiv Patel props Gujarat

November 03, 2009 20:55 IST

India discard Parthiv Patel led from the front with a composed 83 as Gujarat scored 237 for seven on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Super League Group A match against Orissa in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Electing to bat, skipper Patel shared two important partnerships to guide Gujarat to a good total.

Patel, who struck 10 fours in his 128-ball innings, shared a 53-run partnership with Hem Joshipura (36) for the third wicket and an 89-run stand with Rujul Bhatt (46) for the fifth wicket.

But after he departed two quick wickets fell as Gujarat were reduced to a sticky 203 for seven before a late cameo by Ashraf Makda (31) took the home team to 237 for seven from 91 overs.

At the draw of stumps, Makda was batting on 31, which he scored off just 23 balls, inclusive of one four and four sixes.

Timil Patel (11) was giving company to Makda.

For Orissa, Dhiraj Singh was the most successful bowler with a haul of 4 for 88 from 28 overs while Debasis Mohanty took two wickets for 26.